Tom Hanks starrer, Cast Away (2000), a typical movie in Robinson Crusoe framework, was a good starting point to understand the basics of economics, the evolution of economics from the primitive era.
The hindi films, I remember, which vividly captures are Naya Daur,1957, (on Industrial policy, questioning Nehru Mahalnobis Model), Manthan,1976, (the Cooperative movement), Namak Haram,1973, (Contract Labour Policy), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron,1983, (Urban land Ceiling and Regulation), Corporate,2006, (the Industrialist and Politician nexux), Upkaar,1970, (India vs. Bharat divide), Lagaan, 2001,(Brtish imperialist policy during colonial period)
Some of the foreign films are lists below, thanks to tutor2u for the pointer.
When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2007) - great documentary from Spike Lee
Walmart – the High Cost of Low Price (2006) – which seeks to undermine the business practices allegedly used by the world’s biggest retailer.
A Crude Awakening – The Oil Crash (2006) - investigation into peak oil theory
Black Gold (2006) - a 78-minute documentary feature from Mark and Nick Francis which provides an vivid insight into the lives and challenges facing coffee farmers in Ethiopia
Darwin’s Nightmare (2005) is a startling look at the impact of multinational organisations such as the IMF and the World Bank together with EU commissioners and Russian airline pilots on the economic and geographic landscape of Uganda and Tanzania – excellent for examples of the tragedy of the commons, the destruction of natural resources
Kinky Boots (2005) – this Nick Frost movie about a failing shoe business that diversifies and explores issues such as redundancy, motivation, production operations.
The Corporation (2005) and Enron - The Smartest Guys in the Room (2006) both have great potential for students wanting to unearth the darker side of corporate power, greed and fraudulent behaviour.
Life and Debt (2004) – looks at the issue of fair trade, inequality and economic growth in Jamaica.
City of God (2003) – highlighting poverty and the value of human life in Brazil
A Beautiful Mind (2002) – starring Russell Crowe and a drama based loosely on the life of John Nash the Nobel-Prize winning mathematician and economist
Amelie (2002) – a cartoon delight that says much about human behaviour and maximising utility!
Goodbye Lenin! (2002) – examining the economic and social impact of a change from state planning to a market economy
Dirty Pretty Things (2002) – a gritty drama directed by Stephen Frears which is centred around the illegal trade in human organs
Start-up.com (2001) – a documentary which follows two New Yorkers who quit their day jobs to focus on their entrepreneurial online business, govWorks.com. The two men receive venture capital, grow the business, and then watch it fall apart.
The Insider (2000) – starring Al Pacino and Russell Crowe, this might be used to illustrate business ethics in tobacco and broadcast journalism
Rogue Trader (1999) - the events surrounding Nick Leeson and the collapse of Baring’s Bank - very topical today
Brassed Off (1996) or the Full Monty (1997) - both looking at the effects of industrial decline
Gold Finger (film released in 1964, new DVD version in 2006) – built around the plot to bomb Fort Knox and destroying the Federal gold so Goldfinger’s gold becomes relatively more valuable!
La Haine (1995) – a classic documentary in which disenfranchised and bored French youths patrol Paris’ suburban housing estates due to lack of government interest and attempts to create employment or education.
Of Mice and Men (1992) could be used as a backdrop to talk about the great depression - the use of migrant workers, the lengths people would go to find a job, and how a purely financial crisis can hit rural workers too – highlighting multiplier effects.
Rounders (1998) and Dr Strangelove: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1963) the classic film starring Peter Sellers both include clips and themes that illustrate game theory, risk aversion and behavioural economics.
The Life of Brian (1979) – including the classic the haggling scene involving Eric Idle – an example of first-degree price discrimination!
The Meaning of Life (1984) - especially the scene with Mr Creosote - externalities from consumption!
Withnail & I (1986) – a classic British film dealing perhaps with the economics of happiness!
American Psycho (2000), Barbarians at the Gate (1993), Boiler Room (2000) and Wall Street (1988) - all great for financial intrigue
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – beloved film starring James Stewart – ideal for showing a run on a bank – you might use it when discussing the Northern Rock saga!
